Cultural Dynamics in the Levantine Upper Paleolithic, ca. 40–33 ky BP: Insights Based on Recent Advances in the Study of the Levantine Aurignacian, the Arkov-Divshon, and the Atlitian

Recent research challenges the long-held model of two co-inhabiting cultural groups during the Levantine Upper Paleolithic (ca. 40–33 ky BP), instead proposing at least three distinct entities: the Early Ahmarian, Levantine Aurignacian, and younger Arkov-Divshon/Atlitian cultures. High-resolution excavations at Manot Cave and Nahal Rahaf 2 Rockshelter, combined with radiocarbon dating and detailed stratigraphic analysis, revealed a chronological overlap among these groups, particularly between the Arkov-Divshon, Levantine Aurignacian, and possibly the Early Ahmarian. The study further suggests an evolutionary link between the Arkov-Divshon and Atlitian flint industries, while highlighting foreign cultural features in the Levantine Aurignacian. These findings necessitate a revision of migration and interaction models for this period.

Shemer, M., Barzilai, O., & Marder, O. (2024). Cultural Dynamics in the Levantine Upper Paleolithic, ca. 40–33 ky BP: Insights Based on Recent Advances in the Study of the Levantine Aurignacian, the Arkov-Divshon, and the Atlitian. Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41982-024-00176-0